General Considerations
Big? = Better
for protection and long runs.
Hugs are more people sized.
Small? = Can
go anywhere easier, often more
childlike personality. Less food
expense and poop pick-up.
Short Haired? = Better
in warm climates, quicker to
bathe and dry.
Long Haired?
= (> 1 inch) Warmer, and nice
to hug. More grooming
investment, but also more
options.
Sleep Indoor? = Better
bonding, more stimulus to
intelligence. Better guarding.
Sleep Outdoor?
= Provide shelter, don't have
to treat indoors for fleas.
The
best age to bring a pup home is
around seven to nine weeks of
age. This allows the pup some
socialization experience with
siblings, and still encourages
primary bonding with the new
human owner.
Health Considerations
-
Don't adopt a puppy who is
ill at the time of adoption
- it is more likely to be
sick later also.
-
Look for: Eye or nose thick
discharge; under or
overbite; harelip; lump at
the belly button.
-
Avoid droopy eyelids or
mouths, especially if either
is discharging anything.
-
Ask about the pup's parents'
health and behavior.
-
Observe parent dog's
behavior for guarding,
obedience, hyperactivity.
-
Personality is partially
inherited - would you want
to own the parent dog?
-
Ask about frequency of vet
visits for the parents; any
allergies (excessive
scratching or skin lesions),
repeated ear infections?
Checked for Hip Dysplasia?
Watch the adult dog get up
from laying. (Slow or
painful getting up?)
Puppy Personality Testing
Some
studies have concluded these
tests are not reliable. Others
feel the puppy's
basic
personality traits are
measurable by eight weeks of
age. These tests are intended to
give a
general
indication
of what personality to expect
from the adult dog. If possible,
test several pups at the same
time to get perspective on
differences. Try to test the
same pup multiple times before
adoption. Only extreme
variations count.
Take
each puppy into a room away from
the mother and other pups. Write
down the test scores for each
pup. Identify each one by
number, or by its marking.
("Brown spot on left rear foot")
Personality
Test: In this neutral
setting, gently roll the pup
onto its back and hold it "chest
up" for about 30 seconds. Don't
talk. Act calm and neutral and
observe for struggling.
If it:
Score it: |
Struggles constantly, growls
or bites
"Strong Willed" These pups
need more consistent
discipline and handling. |
If it:
Score it: |
Acts scared, rolls eyes,
whines or leaks urine
"Shy" It is best to not
coddle (reward). Don't
punish harshly. Act happy
lots! |
If it:
Score it: |
Struggles some, then relaxes
and lays quietly
"Balanced" (This is most
desirable) |
Following Test:
Carry the pup to
the center of the room. Put it
down facing you and walk away.
(Watch to see if the pup follows
you without encouragement.)
If it:
Score it: |
Ignores you or wanders away
"Independent" These pups
need bonding exercises.
Harder to train. |
If it:
Score it: |
Cowers or hides or follows
hesitantly
"Shy" A little reprimand
goes a long way. Get this
pup into Puppy Class. |
If it:
Score it: |
Chases you and tries to play
bite your foot
"Strong Willed" These pups
particularly benefit from
Puppy Class calming. |
If it:
Score it: |
Follows you with tail up and
wagging
"Balanced" (This is most
desirable) |
If
it does any of the first three
choices initially, then call in
a happy voice, clap and slap the
floor to try to get the pup to
come. If it still will
not come and be
friendly, do not adopt.
Activity Test:
Observe the pup by itself and
with the litter for general
activity level.
If it:
Score it: |
Is constantly in motion
"Active" These pups grab
your attention, but can
later tax patience. |
If it:
Score it: |
Is constantly lethargic
(unless it just ate or is
sickly)
"Slow" There is a
difference between stupid
(ugh) and very calm
(great!). |
If it:
Score it: |
Is interested and moves to
explore or play, then rests
"Balanced" (This is
generally most desirable) |
Retrieving Test:
A dog who retrieves is fun to
play with and much easier to
exercise. Take a small ball or
improvise with crumpled paper
and rubber band. Bounce it in
front of the pup, then roll it
away. Observe the puppy's face
closely without distracting it.
If it:
Score it: |
Ignores the ball totally
Low retrieving potential
(at least on that day and
time) |
If it:
Score it: |
Watches the ball with
interest, but doesn't follow
Fair retrieving potential |
If it:
Score it: |
Starts out after the ball at
all, and especially if it
follows or touches the ball
Good retrieving potential |
If it:
Score it: |
Brings the ball back to you
A born retriever! |
Intelligence:
Intelligence is measured by
duration of eye focus,
explorative sniffing, ability to
learn, and tendency to explore
new areas. |